Community Calendar

People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.

Friday, Feb 14

Get your fix of country music On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. Dance with “Country Fix”, at The American Legion, 320 N. Harrison, Cortez. $5 cover charge

Surprise your Valentine with a Bavarian Cream Puff. Beautiful large puffs in a decorated box; $6 each or 2 for $10. Pre-order at Madison House, 120 S. Madison St. Cortez 565-2047 for pick-up on Feb. 14. Or they can deliver to Cortez Businesses for a $2 additional fee.

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hold a breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 15 at the Ponderosa in Dolores. Mike Preston, General Manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District will discuss “Snowpack’s, kayaks, water taps and seepage facts” For more information call 564-0708.

A Business Planning Course is being offered by Small Business Development Center, for beginning or experienced business owners. The course starts on Sat., Feb. 15 in Cortez and continues on each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through March 22 at the Cortez Welcome Center. Tuition is $280 for two people. Scholarships are available. To register, call 247-7009. For more details call Cindy at 882-4222.

The Public is invited to join Susan Matthews for a relaxing, opening, energetic Qigong set from the Liu He Ba Fa tradition at Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez on Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No experience necessary. Free for newcomers! Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Sunday, Feb. 16

The Anasazi Heritage Center presents David Mattson, of Yale University, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. for his presentation “Lions in Your Back Yard.” Free to the public. Contact the Center at 882-5600 for information on upcoming events or go to their website at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html

Monday, Feb. 17

Four Corners Nine Twelve & TEA Party group is hosting a vetting of Senatorial Candidate Ken Buck. This is an opportunity for local voters to meet and question to decide their voting preference at the Elks Lodge in Cortez on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. Mr. Buck is running for the U.S. Senate seat occupied now by Mark Udall.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Jim and Karen Mischke present the Cheetah Conservation fund, a non- profit in Namibia that is engaged in saving the cheetah on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center. Educational videos highlight the successful program and are a good fit for children and families. Free to members, $5 all others. Call 565-1151 for more information or visit www.cortezculturalcenter.org

The SJMA, San Juan National Forest and BLM Tres Rios Field Office will offer a program to become a Forest Service Junior Snow Ranger at the Chicken Creek Cross-Country Skin Area on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Snowshoes will be available for children’ adults that need snowshoes must pre-register by Feb. 19. For ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult. To signup or for more information call Gabi at 759-1170.

Back by popular demand, the musical swing quartet WE-4 will take the stage at Vista Mesa Assisted Living, across from Southwest Memorial Hospital on Mildred, wed. Feb. 19 at 12 noon. The public is invited.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Free Home Buyer Class will be held on Feb. 20 at 4 Corners Properties in Cortez. Learn the basic information you need to start buying a home. Register now, space is limited. Call or email Terry Woodrow at 560-1318, Terrywoodrow@gmail.com to sign up.

The Piñon Project Family Resource Center is pleased to announce an offering of a free 6 week, 12 hour workshop called “Making Money Work For You”. This workshop will meet at The Piñon Project, 300 N. Elm in Cortez on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Classes are scheduled beginning Thursday Feb, 20. A meal is provided starting at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost for this course and licensed childcare will be provided free. For information and to register, please call Lara at The Piñon Project at 564-1195.

Friday, Feb. 21 & Saturday, Feb. 22

The Sixth Annual Homegrown Food Retreat will be at Fort Lewis College in the Student Union Ballroom on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Coordinated by Southwest Colorado and sponsored by Zia Taqueria, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Sodexo, CSU Extension and Durango Natural Foods. The cost is $15 and suggested donation for lunch. For more information or to RSVP visit www.growingpartners.org.

There will be a free clinic on Chronic Pain and inflammation using Tai Chi and Qigong taught by Susan Matthews at the Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn relaxation techniques for better posture, plus nutrition essentials. Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Friday, Feb. 21

Enjoy live blues, swing and fine dining at the Kennebec cafe in Hesperus, featuring ROSCOE on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. Check out the Kennebec’s recent expansion with a dazzling new bar.

The Bridge Emergency Shelter will have their 7th annual Soups of the World on Feb. 22 beginning at 5 p.m. with dessert auction beginning at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St. in Cortez. Tickets cost $10 and kids under 12 are free. This year, soup bowls made and donated by Southwest Open School Students will be sold for an additional $10. If you are interested in donating a homemade baked good call 565-9808.

Thursday, Feb. 27

The public is invited to the Cortez Public Library Storytime on Feb. 27 to join children’s author Melanie Milburn while she reads her book “Imagination, It’s Up To You.” The library is at 202 N. Park St. in Cortez and can be reached at 565-8117.

“How Can We Help Christianity Evolve?” will be the topic on Feb. 27 at 6:30 for the next “How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe” conversation held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Wine and cheese will be served. Call 565-7865 for information.

Friday, Feb. 28

The 9th Annual Lewis Arriola Community Center “Warm Up” chili and cornbread supper will be Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at 21176 MC Road S. (1/2 mile west of US 491). This is the primary fundraiser for the center. Funds raised help offset operating and maintenance expenses. There will be homemade chili and cornbread and an old-fashioned pie auction. Tickets are available at the door for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20 or can be purchased in advance from Chan 882-7318 or Carol 882-7816.

The Beatles Tribute Band will play at the Dolores Community Center on Feb. 28 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $10, children 12 and under are free. Dress to impress in 60’s and 70’s garb. The show will raise funds for sound improvements in the Dolores Community Center.

Through February

“A Literary February” is the February theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St. Storytime is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact the library at 970-565-8117.

The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., will offer computer classes in February: Feb.13, at 1 p.m., beginning computer class, called Incredibly Basic Computers. On Friday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. the Workforce Center will hold a class on finding a job. On Thursday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m., there will be a class called Basics II. All classes must be signed up for ahead of time by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

The 20th Annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run-Bike Event will be held April 26 and is now open for registration. Register by visiting www.cortezculturalcenter.org. The Center also seeks health conscious organizations to sponsor the event. Call 565-1151 for more information.

Sunday, March 2

Dancing with the Cortez Stars will be held at the M-CHS Auditorium on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. This fundraiser for the Millennium Center for the Performing Arts will feature performances by ten local couples, each vying for the coveted “Mirror Ball Trophy.” Tickets are $20. Call Denise at 739-6771 or visit www.comedancetonight.com for more information.

Monday, March 3

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents award winning concert pianist Charlie Albright at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Montezuma-Cortez High School Auditorium. Charlie has been hailed as being “among the most gifted musicians of his generation” by the Washington Post. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

Saturday, March 8

There will be a Brain Workshop for Stress, Mindfulness and Brain Health on March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. taught by Susan Matthews at the Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez. Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Sunday, March 9

Little League Baseball is now open for registration. Super Saturday registration will take place at the Cortez Recreation Center on Feb. 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or at Hibbett Sports on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baseball is open for ages 4 to 15 as of April 30. Cost varies from $55 to $105 according to age. To save money register by Feb. 15, registration closes March 9. Registration forms can be downloaded from cortezlittleleague.com or picked up at the Rec Center, Hibbets, or the Super Saturday events. For more info call 560-3029 or email nicci@cortezlittleleague.com

Friday, March 14

Hope Taylor is the founder of the International Leadership Embassy based out of Washington, DC and he will be presenting “Hope for America – Our Nations Future” on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon rooms at the Cortez Rec Center, 425 Roger Smith Ave. You are welcome to visit ILE-dc.org. They will collect a Free-Will offering. This is sponsored by the Colorado Coalition for Regional Transformation and Community of Believers. For more information call Gregg at 739-3323, Elaine at 739-9785 or Zandra at 739-0920.

Saturday, March 22

There will be a benefit Chili dinner and silent auction for Amy Martin, a mother of three fighting stage 2 breast cancer, to help with medical bills on March 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis Arriola Community Center. Kids are $4 and adults are $10. If you would like to donate or need more info call Heather Veach at 560-9316.

Monday, March 31

Cortez Cultural Center in collaboration with Conservation Colorado announces, “What does wilderness mean to you?” Youth Poetry Contest. Submission deadline is March 31. Email submissions to Emily@conservationco.org or Anne at annebeach@cortezculturalcenter.org. Poetry reading and awards ceremony with Dave Mason will be April 18 at the Cortez Cultural Center, details to follow. For submission guidelines or more information call 565-1151.

Through March

“Let’s Celebrate!” is the March theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program. For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings will be the first Monday of every month at noon at the Cortez Office at 2409 E. Empire. For more information, call Matthew at 570-8001.

The Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month (except January and February). For more information, call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. For more information, call the Legion at 565-8151.

First Wednesday

At noon the first Wednesday of each month, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shiloh’s Steakhouse. For more information, email Nicci Crowley, secretary, at nicci.crowley@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

The First Thursday Art Walk will be held in downtown Telluride from 5 to 8 p.m. Listen to Open Art Radio on KOTO from 12 to 1 p.m. on first Thursdays to hear interviews with the artists. Maps are available at participating venues and at the Telluride Arts offices located in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S. Fir St. For more information visit www.tellurideinside.com.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership is held the first Friday of every month at First National Bank in Cortez from 8 to 9 a.m. Join the free event at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. For more information, call Dena at 565-3414.

Second Wednesday

Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at taachinii@yahoo.com.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shilo’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A Free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney will be held the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Volunteer attorneys will assist one-on-one, via computer link. First come first-served basis.

Third Sunday

Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414.

First and Third Thursday’s

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend. Call 565-1151 for details.

Fourth Tuesday

A new Republican woman’s club has been formed locally called 4 Corners Republican Women’s Club. Regular meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. For more information, please call 565-2197.

Every Sunday

First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call 565-3002.

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at First United Methodist Church in Cortez, 515 N. Park. For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Wednesday

The Way Christian Church has a Bible Studies class every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Every Friday

Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series: “Survey of Messianic Judaism” at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Colorado Hwy 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org

Community calendar

Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include “Community Calendar” in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries and the calendar may be edited for length and content.

Monday, March 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson...